U.S. patent application number 13/521867 was filed with the patent office on 2013-01-17 for hanger.
The applicant listed for this patent is John Coote. Invention is credited to John Coote.
Application Number | 20130015215 13/521867 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 42028275 |
Filed Date | 2013-01-17 |
United States Patent
Application |
20130015215 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Coote; John |
January 17, 2013 |
HANGER
Abstract
The present invention discloses a device for hanging clothes,
comprising an engaging portion and a deformable elongate member,
the elongate member comprising a connection mechanism such that the
elongate member can be deformed back upon itself and connected to
itself to form a loop.
Inventors: |
Coote; John; (Essex,
GB) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Coote; John |
Essex |
|
GB |
|
|
Family ID: |
42028275 |
Appl. No.: |
13/521867 |
Filed: |
January 13, 2011 |
PCT Filed: |
January 13, 2011 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/GB11/50046 |
371 Date: |
September 14, 2012 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
223/85 ;
29/428 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47G 25/743 20130101;
A47F 7/19 20130101; Y10T 29/49826 20150115; A47F 5/00 20130101;
A47G 25/005 20130101; A47G 25/1442 20130101; B65D 73/0064
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
223/85 ;
29/428 |
International
Class: |
A47G 25/14 20060101
A47G025/14; B23P 19/04 20060101 B23P019/04 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Jan 13, 2010 |
GB |
1000483.6 |
Claims
1. A device for hanging an item, comprising a support-engaging
portion and a deformable elongate, the elongate member comprising a
connection mechanism such that the elongate member can be deformed
back upon itself and connected to itself to form a loop in such a
way that when the elongate member is in its deformed state, a
substantially flat spacer is defined at the intended lower end of
the loop so that the item rests upon the fiat spacer when in
use.
2. A device according to claim 1, wherein the elongate member
comprises at least one pre-determined weakened region.
3. A device according to claim 1, wherein the engaging portion is
in the form of a hook.
4. A device according to claim 1, wherein the device further
comprises at least one security tag.
5. A device according to claim 4, wherein the security tag is
attached to, or at least partially embedded in, the hanger.
6. A device according to claim 4, wherein the security tag is
wholly embedded within the device.
7. A device according to claim 5, wherein the security tag is part
of an electronic article surveillance system and wherein the type
of tag is selected from a list comprising: magnetic (or
magneto-harmonic) tag; acousto-magnetic (magnetostrictive) tag;
radio-frequency tag; and microwave tag.
8. A device according to claim 4, wherein the security tag is
microchip.
9. A device according to claim 1, wherein the device is adapted to
be tracked by GPS technology to determine its location.
10. A device according to claim 1, wherein the elongate member
comprises reinforcement means to resist severing of the attachment
portion.
11. A device according to claim 10, wherein the reinforcement means
comprises metal wire embedded within the attachment portion.
12. A device according to claim 1, wherein the connection mechanism
is a substantially releasable connection.
13. A device according to claim 12, wherein the releasable
connection is a snap-fit connector.
14. A device according to claim 1, wherein the connection mechanism
is a substantially unreleasable connection.
15. A device according to claim 14, wherein the connecting member
comprises a split-click fastener mechanism.
16. A device according to claim 14, wherein the connecting member
comprises a ratchet mechanism.
17. A method of hanging a garment comprising the steps of:
threading a device as claimed in claim 1 through a loop connected
to a garment; closing the releasable connection mechanism; and
using the engaging portion to hang the garment.
18. A device for hanging clothes substantially as described herein
with reference to and as illustrated in any appropriate combination
of the accompanying text and/or drawings.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] This invention relates to a hanger.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Existing hangers for garments generally comprise a base
member that is generally horizontal, when in use, and this mimics
shoulders in the case of tops and jackets. Alternatively, the
horizontal base member is used to support trousers, skirts and
shorts either at the waist band, often supported by a clip
mechanism, or by folding the garment and resting it on the member,
especially in the case of trousers.
[0003] Various disadvantages exist with such hangers. For example,
the neck of a top may be sufficiently wide for the garment to slip
off the hanger, especially if the garment is not put perfectly in
the middle of the base member. Therefore, various different lengths
of horizontal member are required and the right size must be chosen
to avoid the garment falling off the hanger. Furthermore, fashion
dictates some lower-body garments are not enhanced by having fold
lines, especially in the case of jeans or casual trousers.
Therefore, it becomes a disadvantage to have to hang such garments
in a way that creases may be formed. Also, if the user folds lower
body garments badly before resting them on the hanger in a folded
position, a double crease may form in the garment which is
unsightly.
[0004] It is also the case that people are often lazy and do not
take the time to fold their garments or hang them on a hanger with
a horizontal member. Instead they put them in a drawer or on a
shelf in an unfolded manner, creating creases in undesirable
positions, making the wearer look untidy when they next wear the
garment.
[0005] Further disadvantages occur with existing hangers both
before the items are put on display for sale and after. For
example, once clothing is delivered to a store, staff members have
to take a considerable amount of time to unpack the items, put them
on hangers and apply security tags. This process, especially the
application of a hanger may need to be repeated each time a person
tries on a garment, therefore taking up more of the sales
assistant's time.
[0006] A further problem with existing systems is that the security
tags often result in putting a hole in the item, albeit a small
one, which may damage the item. Also, the security tag can catch on
shelving or on people and their accessories and cause further
damage to the item, especially when a potential customer is trying
the item on.
[0007] High-end fashion items can be of considerable value and
therefore it is desirable to avoid putting security tags on the
clothing. However, should these items be stolen from a store, the
losses may be significant.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0008] According to a first embodiment, the present invention
provides a device for hanging an item comprising a support-engaging
portion and a deformable elongate member, the elongate member
comprising a connection mechanism such that the elongate member can
be deformed back upon itself and connected to itself to form a loop
in such a way that when the elongate member is in its deformed
state, a substantially flat spacer is defined at the intended lower
end of the loop so that the item rests upon the flat spacer when in
use.
[0009] By making a hanger to such a construction, the connecting
member forms a loop that becomes substantially held in place. Many
items of clothing, especially garments intended for the lower body
comprise loops, often in the form of belt-loops. For casual
trousers, for example jeans, it is preferably to not have folded or
pressed creases in the garment. Therefore by hanging the trousers
by way of a hanger threaded through itself to interlock with the
belt-loop and being connected to itself, the casual trousers can be
hung on a rail without causing undesirable creases. Therefore, the
hanger can be substantially connected to an item by threading the
attachment portion through the item, for example a belt loop or a
hanging loop, and using the connecting member to form a
substantially unreleasable loop. The item can then be hung on a
support, such as a standard retail clothing rail, using the support
engaging portion.
[0010] Clothes, including many jackets and coats, often comprise a
hanging loop for hanging the garment on a coat peg or coat stand.
The present invention may be threaded through such a loop and the
garment hung using that loop. Furthermore, the washing instructions
label or `size` label is often positioned at the back of neck on
jumpers and other tops. The hanger may be threaded through those
labels if there is not an intended hanging loop. In addition,
sheets, cloths, gloves, hats, shoes, scarves and other items can be
hung from the hanger.
[0011] Because a flat spacer, or shelf, is introduced to the
hanger, the garment can rest on the spacer without deforming the
material of the garment. For example, a belt loop can lay flat on
the spacer, thereby reducing the risk of the loop deforming and
damaging the material.
[0012] Such a device, or hanger, can be attached to clothing
articles during manufacture, thereby reducing the amount of labour
required by staff in a clothes store, because there is no need for
them to attach hangers because as they unpack the clothing and put
them directly on the shelves or rails using the pre-attached
hanger.
[0013] The attachment portion may be connected to the support
engaging portion via a body portion. By connecting the attachment
portion to the support engagement portion via a body portion, space
is provided on the hanger for application of a logo or an
indication of the size of the item. Also, the hanger is more robust
and aesthetically appealing when a body portion is present.
[0014] It is preferably that the elongate member comprises at least
one pre-determined weakened region. By having pre-determined
weakened regions, the elongate member may be deformed in a
particular way so as to form, for example a triangular loop, on
which garments may be hung. The weakened regions make the loop
easier to deform, thereby requiring less effort by the user.
Additionally, the flat spacer can be more readily be formed when
the elongate member is provided with pre-determined weakened
regions. Furthermore, the shape of the loop may be designed to
relieve pressure on the connection member by forming a loop of a
particular shape.
[0015] Advantageously, the engaging portion is in the form of a
hook. Hooks are particularly compatible with standard retail
clothing rails, and make putting the hanger on a rail or peg
relatively easily. Alternatively, the engaging portion may be in
the form of a loop. Hotels reduce the risk of hangers from being
removed from the room by connecting a loop to a rail and having a
detachable hanging part. By using a hanger according to the present
invention and having a loop, the hanger does not necessarily need
to be disconnected from the rail in order to hang a garment.
[0016] It is preferably that, the device further comprises at least
one security tag. Because the device attaches to an item in a
non-releasable fashion, incorporating a security tag within the
device allows for the device to be used in existing clothing stores
to reduce the risk of items being stolen. Additionally, the amount
of labour required to put clothing out for sale is reduced by
allowing for the hanger and security device to be attached at once,
rather than having to attach them separately. Indeed, the security
device and hanger may be applied by the clothing manufacturer, as
mentioned above. Furthermore, there is no need to put a hole in the
garment in order to attach the security device, thereby reducing
the risk of the garment being damaged during application and
removal of the security tag.
[0017] In one embodiment, the security tag is attached to, or at
least partially embedded in, the Hanger. Once the hanger is made, a
security tag can be attached using adhesive. A recess may be left
in the device to allow the security tag to be partially embedded
and `centred` so that the security tag is always in a predetermined
location on the device,
[0018] It is preferable that the security tag is wholly embedded
within the device. This prevents parties from physically tampering
with the device. Furthermore, by wholly embedding the security tag,
the tag is hidden from view and one might assume that there is no
security tag on the device. If the device is moulded from plastics
materials, the security tag may be moulded into the device during
manufacture.
[0019] Advantageously, the security tag is part of an electronic
article surveillance system and wherein the type of tag is selected
from a list comprising: magnetic (or magneto-harmonic) tag;
acousto-magnetic (magnetostrictive) tag; radio-frequency tag; and
microwave tag.
[0020] Alternatively, the security tag is microchip. By using a
microchip, the device can provide more information, for example,
the name of the owner of the hanger.
[0021] Preferably, the device may be adapted to be tracked by CPS
technology to determine its location. For high-cost items it is
desirable to be able to track the location of the hanger that is
attached, in case the item is lost or stolen. By using known GPS
technology, the device can be located.
[0022] It is advantageous if the attachment portion comprises
reinforcement means to resist severing of the attachment portion.
In order to reduce the risk of one removing the hanger from an
item, reinforcement means can be used. By using reinforcement
means, the likelihood of the device being removed in-store is
reduced as a customer will have more difficulty in removing the
device.
[0023] Preferably, the reinforcement means comprises metal wire
embedded within the attachment portion. Metal wire, for example
steel wire, is a cost effective method of reinforcing the device.
Scissors are less likely to be able to cut through the device,
thereby making it more resistant to removal by a thief.
[0024] In one construction, the connection mechanism is a
substantially releasable connection, and, advantageously, the
releasable connection is a snap-fit connector. It is preferable
that the releasable connection is a snap-fit connector. By using a
snap-fit connector, the loop is readily, quickly and easily
releasable.
[0025] Alternatively, the connection mechanism may comprise a
substantially unreleasable, nr permanent, connection.
[0026] In one preferred embodiment, the connecting member comprises
a split-click fastener mechanism. The mechanism may be a
hemi-spherical, or `mushroom` topped, click-fastener with a split
through the middle the hemi-spherical top. The top of the
click-fastener is compressed together as an aperture is threaded
onto the fastener. Once the aperture is over the top, or `mushroom
head`, of the click-fastener, the `head` or top expands outwardly
again, preventing the aperture from passing back over the fastener,
thereby making it substantially non-releasable. The head of the
fastener may then be covered or concealed to prevent one from being
able to readily attempt to compress the fastener and pass the
aperture over the top once more.
[0027] Alternatively, the connecting member comprises a ratchet
mechanism. Using a `cable-tie` or ratchet mechanism provides a
cost-effective and simple to operate one-way connecting member. The
receiving portion may be concealed to prevent one from attempting
to release the teeth and reverse the connection.
[0028] The device may comprise a plurality of elongate members. By
having more than one elongate member, multiple garments may be hung
from a single hanger. In a construction having two elongate
members, the members may be in the form of an inverted `Y` shape,
with the two elongate members having an appreciable gap between
them. Such a hanger may be used to hang a single garment, for
example by being threaded through two belt loops of a pair of
jeans. The garment is then more secure and can be better displayed,
but, when the connection mechanism is substantially releasable, the
garment remains readily releasable from the hanger.
[0029] The invention extends to a method of hanging a garment
comprising the steps of:
[0030] threading a hanger as claimed in any preceding claim through
a loop connected to a garment;
[0031] closing the releasable connection mechanism; and
[0032] using the engaging portion to hang the garment.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0033] An embodiment of the invention will now be described, by way
of example only, and with reference to the accompanying drawings,
in which;
[0034] FIG. 1 shows a front view of a hanger according to the
present invention;
[0035] FIG. 2 shows a back view of the hanger of FIG. 1;
[0036] FIG. 3 shows a side view of the hanger of FIG. 1;
[0037] FIG. 4 shows a side view of the hanger of FIG. 1, when in
use;
[0038] FIG. 5 shows a second embodiment of the present invention;
and
[0039] FIG. 6 shows a front view of a third embodiment of the
present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS
[0040] FIGS. 1 to 6 show a hanger 10 having a hook portion 12
connected to an intended upper end of a body portion 14, and an
elongate member 16 connected to an intended lower end of the body
portion 14. The length of the elongate member 16 is approximately
the same as the length of the combined body portion 14 and hook
portion 12. The elongate member 16 has a male part of a one-way
`snap-fit` connector 18 at the end 20, nearest the body portion 14.
The end 22 farthest from the body 10 of the elongate member 16 has
an aperture 24, which is designed to cooperate with the `one-way`
snap-fit connector 18. The elongate member 16 is weakened in a
transverse direction in three positions 26a, 26b and 26c. The
hanger 10 further comprises a region 28 on the body portion 14 on
which a logo or identifying means can be printed or written. The
hanger 10 is bevelled at both the end of the hook portion 12 and
the end of the elongate member 16. The hanger 10 is constructed
from a plastics material.
[0041] When in use, the elongate member 16 of the hanger 10 is
threaded through a belt-loop of a pair of jeans (not shown). As
shown in FIG. 4, the elongate member 16 is then folded inwardly at
weakened positions 26a and 26b and outwardly at 26c, so that the
aperture 24 is in line with the connector 18. The section between
weakened positions 26a and 26b defines a flat spacer 27. The
aperture 24 is pushed onto and engages the male snap-fit connector
18. The male snap-fit connector 18 yields while the aperture 24 is
pushed onto it due to the split in the top of the snap-fit
connector 18. Once the aperture 24 has passed over the snap-fit
connector, the plastics material returns to its original position
and the aperture 24 is prevented from passing back over the snap
fit connector 18. Therefore, the aperture 24 and the snap-fit
connector 18 make a non-releasable connection such that the jeans
are held securely on the hanger 10 and the `loop` formed by the
elongate member 16 hanger cannot be readily uncoupled. The hook
portion 12 of the hanger 10 can then engage a hanging rail (not
shown), with the item to be hung resting upon the spacer 27.
[0042] To remove the item from the hanger 10, the elongate member
16 must be cut, preferably along one of the weakened regions 26A
26b 26c.
[0043] FIG. 5 shows a hanger 10 having the features shown in the
first embodiment in FIGS. 1 to 4, with the additional feature of a
recessed area 30 of the body 14 opposite the arc of the hook
portion 12. When in use, the hook portion 12 engages a rail and the
recessed area 30 reduces the risk of inadvertent disengagement of
the hanger 10. When the hanger 10 is raised in order to be
disengaged from the rail (not show), the user must draw the hanger
10 away from the rail in order to effect disengagement. If the user
does not draw the hanger 10 away from the rail and continues
raising the hanger 10, the recessed area 30 will engage the rail
and make it more difficult to remove the hanger 10 from the rail.
Therefore, if the hanger 10 is unintentionally raised with respect
to the rail, recessed area 30 will reduce the risk of disengagement
of the hanger 10.
[0044] FIG. 6 shows a further embodiment of the present invention,
wherein a split snap-fit connector 18 is positioned on the body
portion 14 of the hanger 10. In this embodiment, a loop of metallic
wire 32 is provided within the hanger 10 to reduce the likelihood
of the hanger being easily removed from the item to which it is
attached.
[0045] In order to remove the hanger 10 from the item to which it
is attached, a removal device (not shown), such as a guillotine, is
used to cut the plastics material, preferably at 26a or 26b,
allowing the hanger 10 to be removed from the item. Alternatively,
the removal device may melt the plastics material of the hanger 10
and any reinforcement material so that the hanger 10 can be removed
from the item. The removal device may be mounted to a surface near
a cashier's desk so that once an item has been paid for, the hanger
10 and integral security device can be removed prior to the
customer leaving the store. By using a surface mounted device for
the removal of the hanger, the likelihood of a thief removing the
hanger in-store is reduced.
[0046] As shown in FIG. 6, a security tag 34 is moulded into the
hanger during manufacture and is wholly embedded within the body
portion, thereby sealing it within the hanger.
[0047] The connector 18 shown in the Figures may be releasable, or
`two-way`, rather than unreleasable. The hanger can then be reused
and is suitable for use domestically. Where the connector 18 is a
releasable connector, the item is removed from the hanger by
releasing the connection and removing the elongate member 16 from
the item.
[0048] Variations and modifications to the illustrated construction
may occur to the reader familiar with the art without taking the
device outside the scope of the present invention.
[0049] The hook portion 12 may be replaced with a closed aperture
so that the hanger can be threaded onto a rail and retained on the
rail. Such a construction may be useful in a hotel, where clothes
hangers are often retained on a hanging rail to prevent theft of
the hangers.
[0050] The body portion 14 may comprise a magnetic portion, either
in addition to or in place of the region 28, so that a metal plate
can be attached to the hanger 10. The magnetic plate may contain a
name, address, or an identifying number. Such a construction may be
useful for identifying garments, for example coats in a cloakroom
or garments in a dry-cleaner. Alternatively, a magnetic plate may
be used on a metal hanger. This allows items to be identified
quickly and easily from a rail and is more easily read than a label
attached to the hanger either by sticky tape or string.
[0051] Other connection members may be used in place of a snap-fit
connector, for example, a hook and eye fastener, a `popper` a
button and hole, etc.
[0052] The wire in FIG. 6 of may be a length that passes from the
snap-fit connection member 18 to the aperture 24, rather than a
loop. This maintains the resistance of the elongate member against
being cut, but requires a shorter length of wire.
[0053] "Loop" is intended to mean a closed circuit but not
necessarily a circle.
[0054] "Electronic article surveillance" (EAS) is terminology used
in the art of security devices. EAS is a technological method for
preventing shoplifting from retail stores or other establishments
whereby tags are fixed to merchandise and/or objects. The tags are
removed or deactivated by the staff upon the item being properly
bought or checked out. At the exits of the establishment, a
detection system sounds an alarm or otherwise alerts a member of
staff When active tags pass through.
* * * * *